Word Meaning
एहसान
ehsaan
Meaning
Favor, benevolence, kindness, or an obligation placed upon another.
Detailed Meaning
Denotes an act of goodness, grace, or favor that places the recipient under a debt of gratitude. In this couplet, the speaker boasts with grand poetic pride of having placed an obligation even upon immortal figures by saving them from danger. It reflects the classical motif of self-magnification (ta'alli) and conferring unpayable favors.
Etymology
Arabic 'ihsān' (إحسان), from the root h-s-n (ح-س-ن), meaning 'to do good' or 'to act with excellence'.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'ehsaan' frequently appears in themes of enduring pain proudly rather than accepting the burden of obligations from the beloved or physician.
Examples
To refuse the favor of a cure in love's affliction
Carrying the heavy burden of someone's kindness